I own a T3 Lite in 300 WSM. It is a RMEF stainless steel synthetic stock version. It is laser accurate and bone stock will shoot sub-moa with multiple of my reloads. I was beyond pleased that it all I had to do for my load development was based on what other T3 300 WSM owners found that worked and graciously made available at websites like this one and used it to for my reloads and wha-la my T3 was turning out groups at or below 0.6" over and over.
When I first bought my T3 Lite I was in a near panic as I couldn't find newly manufactured brass ANYWHERE and no kidding I looked EVERYWHERE. While I was Goggling 300wsm brass I stumbled on a unbelievable deal on Federal Power Shock ammo for considerably less than 1x fired brass for sale on Gunbroker so I bought 100 rounds. This is the only factory ammo I have ever fired from my T3 and I would be lying if I said it shot MOA as it doesn't, it does however ALMOST shoot moa at 1-3/16". Yes the federal ammo has produced three sub moa groups, but the average of six 3-shot 100 yard group is 1-3/16". The remaining 82 rounds of Federal ammo will likely spend its days gathering dust.
I am of the strong opinion that for under $800-$1000 you can not find a better rifle than the Tikka T3 Lite.
How is the recoil on the T3 Lite in 300 WSM?
How is the recoil? Well to begin I will not say I am immune to recoil because I m not. But I have a level of tolerance beyond most peoples. I feel my ability to basically ignore most harsh recoiling rifles is because I started my big game hunting life shooting magnum 12 gauge 2.75" and 3.0" 1.0oz and 1.375oz Foster slugs by the dozens at each bench session from a iron sighted Remington 870 with a 20" smooth bore cylinder choke which weighed under 7 lbs and not knowing better, I guess I simply accepted the recoil as normal. Prior to this the most powerful rifle I had shot was a 243 while ground hog hunting. We're talking launching projectiles weighing from 437 to 600 grains at a MV from 1400 to 1600 fps. My other rifles I have fired hundreds of rounds from in the process of load development include a M700 in 338wm, a 116/WW 7mmstw, a Savage 10ML-II smokeless ML firing 300 grain projectiles at a MV of 2350fps and now my T3 Lite in 300 wsm. The only firearm I ever shot from the bench that made me raise the white flag in less than 10 shots were 12 gauge 3.5" magnum 2oz turkey loads out of a 6.75lb 870.
I will also say all of my heavy recoiling long guns all wear a Sims Limb Saver Air tech aftermarket recoil pad, and yes they REALLY do work as advertised as it has significantly reduced my felt recoil on every rifle I installed one on and there on ALL of my heavy recoiling long guns, including my T3. My first range session with my 300wsm T3 was with the factory recoil pad and yes the recoil although substantial was not FOR ME unbearable, but enough that I went to my near by Cabelas and bought a Limb Saver Air tech RC on the way home form my first range session with the T3.
I also sometimes but not always wear a PAST magnum recoil arresting shoulder pad and this combined with the LSAT AM/RP I can easily shoot 30 or so rounds from the bench using no other recoil absorbing rests or devices. I use a Bald Eagle front rest and Protektor rear bag. I will not lie, yes the recoil is substantial but FOR ME completely manageable. I have learned when shooting my heavy recoiling rifles to roll with the recoil and not fight it at all. Also my friend owns a T3 Lite in 300 WM and I have shot it, and no doubt in my mind it's recoil is noticeably more than my 300wsm.
My advice is if you are going to buy a T3 in a heavy recoiling caliber PRIOR to shooting it, install a Limbs Saver Air Tech RP and buy either a Limb Saver or PAST recoil shield and unless you are recoil sensitive, you should be OK. I have fired my T3 in simulated hunting shooting positions while standing, kneeling, sitting and off shooting sticks and again as I "roll" with the recoil it not that bad. My 870 with magnum turkey loads is MUCH, MUCH worse.
What caliber rifles have you shot to date? Any magnums? If I were going to recommend a magnum to a person who is concerned about recoil I would suggest the 7mm RM. I have shot several including offerings from Remington, Browning and Savage and I felt the recoil was equal to but certainly no greater than a similar weight rifle (+/- 8.5lbs) in 30/06.
